Pampers History

Founder

Victor Mills was an American chemical engineer who, while working for the Procter & Gamble Co., revolutionized child care with the invention of the disposable diaper; he began work on that product in the 1950s, using his grandchildren as test subjects (b. 1897--d. Nov. 1, 1997).

While some thought father knew best, Vic Mills believed grandfathers knew even more. This guy (who just happened to work for Procter & Gamble) looked for an easier way to diaper his grandson. The result - Pampers was born.

1960s

Some headed to Woodstock. We headed to department stores, supermarkets and drug stores all over with a diaper that helped keep babies dry and parents happy. The only problem was that no one knew exactly where to stock Pampers. Our diapers were so different, they could be found in the convenience section, the food aisle, the paper product section and even in the drug section.

1970s

Bell bottoms. Platform shoes. And tape. Not the 8-track kind. Real tape. We replaced the pin with tape so that parents could take a quick peek at what was going on in the diaper-and save their fingers from any accidents. We were also busy coming up with Pampers Toddler Size, Extra Absorbent Daytime, Improved Newborn, Quilted Pampers and Premature Infant Size-while others were out at the disco.

1980s

Everything about this time was about excess. Even diapers. We introduced value packs, because you can never really have too many diapers. We also came up with other brilliant ideas: the first thin diaper made with absorbent gelling material, elastic leg gathers, tabs that could be refastened and a softer liner. We figured even our advancements should be a little excessive too.

1990s

Forget the money. Show me the all the new Pampers. We developed Ultra Dry Thins diapers that pulled moisture into the core, then sprang back to absorb even more. And we also came up with the first stretch panels to make diapers more comfortable.

Today

"What will they think of next?" Well, we're the ones thinking of that next stuff. We've already made diapers that breathe, yes breathe. And Premium and Baby-Dry diapers that have a protective layer of lotion that helps keep little bottoms soft and smooth. Grandpa Vic would be oh so proud.